Training schedule for January 2010

Oppama Junior High School, Oppama, Yokosuka

on Saturdays
January 16, 23, 30
19:00~21:00
15 min walk from Oppama station, Keikyu line


Nakada Junior High School, Totsuka, Yokohama

usually on Sundays
January 11 (Monday), 24, 31
13:00~15:00
5 min walk from Tateba station, Yokohama Subway

These training times are available for all grades.

If you would like to join, visit our training or you have any questions please contact Takada Rumi　by phone TEL & FAX 045-783-2298 (in Japanese).

If you prefer email mail to takada_dojo(at)hotmail.com (in English/Japanese) or leave a comment here, thank you for your cooperation.

Training schedule for December 2009

Oppama Junior High School, Oppama, Yokosuka

usually on Saturdays
December 5, 9 (Wed), 12
19:00~21:00
15 min walk from Oppama station, Keikyu line


Nakada Junior High School, Totsuka, Yokohama

on Sundays
December 6, 13
13:00~15:00
5 min walk from Tateba station, Yokohama Subway

These training times are available for all grades.

If you would like to join, visit our training or you have any questions please contact Takada Rumi　by phone TEL & FAX 045-783-2298 (in Japanese).

If you prefer email mail to takada_dojo(at)hotmail.com (in English/Japanese) or leave a comment here, thank you for your cooperation.

Tsurugaoka Hachimangû Kobudô Taikai

The 23rd Kobudô Taikai was held in sunny Kamakura last Saturday (Nov 7 2009). There were over 100 participants from 17 different dôjôs. Demonstration started around 9.30 am with welcome speeches, singing the Kimigayo and giving leaf offerings to the kami.

In this enbu each dôjô had their own individual performances except for the dôjôs that had only one or two participants. In that case the members performed together based on their iai-school.



The absolute favorite of the audience were these young kendokas (5-10 years) from Kamakura. What a nice beginning to the enbu!



The first set of performances lasted till 12 am. The last dôjô showed tameshigiri too (Toyama Ryû).



After they finished there was a 30 minutes break to have bentô lunch. Takada Dôjô’s turn was right after lunch so instead of a hasty lunch we decided to do warm up and enjoy our bentôs later.

First we did Tôhô together after which Takada Tokudô Sensei (renshi 7th dan) and Toriyama Sensei (5th dan) performed kumigata. The last part was to perform any 5 katas (excluding juntô of course) in two groups.

Lunch time ^^

Here is Takada Rumi Sensei, Musô Shinden Ryû hanshi 8th dan.


When all the lower rank performers had had their turn it was time for the Senseis (starting from 9th dan) to show their skills. Here are Takada Gakudô Sensei and Hon'ami Sensei (Musô Jikiden Eishin Ryû, Hanshi 10th dan) getting ready for their turn.

Here is the 20th Headmaster of Musô Shinden Ryû, Takada Gakudô Sensei.




The demonstration was finished at 3 pm after which there was a two hour party (delicious food and drinks).

Takada Dôjô had yet another party starting from 5 pm at a local izakaya (the same place where we always go after enbu in Kamakura ^^).

Speech!
Takada Gakudô Sensei thanked everyone for a good enbu.

Kanpai!

Last speech by Ookochi Sensei (kyôshi 8th dan).

The next demonstration will be held in Kamakura Tsurugaoka Hachimangû on January 17 2010.

Seminar memo - Tallinn, Estonia 10/2009

My name is Sanna (22 years) and I am writing from Jyväskylä, Finland. I have been practising iaidô since September 2008. I was one of the 43 people attending Takada Sensei's seminar in Tallinn, Estonia 22.-26.10.2009. It was very delightful to see so many people come together from Estonia, Finland and Sweden, to practise and learn new.

The training started on Thursday afternoon and we had full days of training from Friday to Sunday. I had only two to three training sessions a day, but for students on more advanced level there were up to six training sessions per day varying in contents.

Monday was also a bit shorter and the training ended before noon because there was a dan grading in the afternoon and after that a party, in which I was not able to participate, but fortunately, every evening there was an opportunity to have dinner with Sensei and ask questions. I was at the dinner on Sunday when among answering other questions Sensei told us how he became interested in iaidô and he actually remembered it to the date!

The important points that Sensei emphasized in his teaching many times during the seminar were kokoro, shisei and technique, in the order mentioned. I am sure that this is one of the things people took with them when leaving back home, with everything else they had learned and with the will to better themselves still.

Thank you Sanna-chan for sharing your seminar memo!

Iaidô Seminar in Estonia

Takada Gakudô Sensei visited Tallinn, Estonia October 19-27, 2009. The main purpose of this trip was to teach iaidô to European iaidokas but there were also a few extra days for sightseeing in the schedule. Not being Sensei’s first time in Tallinn it was time to explore something else instead of the usual tourist spots of this beautiful city.

On October 20th Sensei had the chance to walk in the Bastion Passages right under the city of Tallinn. These passages were built in the 17th and 18th centuries. Straight from the undergrounds Sensei was taken to climb some towers of the city wall. After the towers it was time to go to Ship Museum. The highlight was to get inside of an old submarine which was used during the WW II. After the history part Sensei enjoyed a chamber music concert in the Kaarli Church.

On October 21st Sensei visited Soomaa (land of bogs) national park in south-western Estonia. The name tells you all about the place wetland after wetland after wetland. Even a few kilometers of hiking in the boggy forest was enjoyable for Sensei, the colorful landscape of autumn forest must have been worth seeing. After changing wet socks and shoes it was time to have homemade sushi dinner cooked by one of Sensei’s students. The evening was spent enjoying the views of Keila-Joa waterfall.

The last day of sightseeing was October 22nd which Sensei spent walking in the Kadriorg Park, visiting the famous Estonian Song Festival spot (Laulupidu) and having lunch at a small local cafe.

In the afternoon it was time to start the seminar; intense training during the days and socializing in the evenings. The main point of this seminar was to emphasize the most important parts of iaidô which are spirit (kokoro), posture and attitude (shisei) and technique (waza). The grading was held on the last day of the seminar; and this time all the participants passed their tests. (Congratulations to all of you!) In the evening there was of course a farewell party with lots of presents and Estonian treats.

After returning home Sensei shared his experiences and feelings about the seminar with his Japanese students. Sensei was pleased to have met his European students once again and seen their progress. Despite of the hard schedule Sensei was really happy to have also seen such beautiful places of Estonia. He especially enjoyed the colorful forests and other nature’s sightseeing spots.

Thank you Rein-san for sharing this seminar diary!

Pictures

Vesa from Helsinki, Finland

1) What is your name?
-"Vesa."

2) How old are you?
-"43."

3) What is your nationality?
-"Finnish."

4) Why did you come to Japan?
-"To participate in iaidô training at Takada-sensei´s dôjô."

5) When did you start iaidô and why?
-"January 1994. I felt something was missing in my life."

6) Have you ever participated in iai demonstration in Japan? What was it like? How about in Finland?
-"Not in Japan but in Finland many times. It is always very exciting."

7) Is there a difference between training in Japan and in Europe?
-"In Finland we train the same way as in Takada Sensei's dôjô. Naturally it is much better to train in Japan with Takada Sensei."

8) What do you think about Takada Gakudô Sensei's style related to iaidô and training?
-"I think Takada Sensei's style is very powerful and elegant."

9) What kind of a teacher is Takada Gakudô Sensei?
-"He is very strict teacher with enormous knowledge of budô."

10) What would you like to say to someone who is thinking about starting iaidô?
-"You should be serious about training from the beginning. This way you learn things and make progress."

Yokohama, Japan 2009/10/10

Marko from Helsinki, Finland

1) What is your name?
-"Marko."

2) How old are you?
-"32."

3) What is your nationality?
-"Finnish."

4) Why did you come to Japan?
-"This time it was a combination of a holiday and training sessions with Takada-Sensei."

5) When did you start iaidô and why?
-"I started iaidô in 1997 when Musô Shinden ryû practice started at Tampere. I had been interested in iaidô already for few years, but as the closest dôjô was few hundred kilometers away I couldn't start practicing earlier."

6) Have you ever participated in iai demonstration in Japan? What was it like? How about in Finland?
-"Yes, we were at Hachimangu enbu this January and I've also participated in many domestic enbus. I think the biggest difference is that in Finland you not only participate in the enbu, but also have to arrange it while in Japan everything is pre-arranged and you simply show up and do your part. Another difference is size; at least Hachimangu enbu was huge compared to Finnish ones. Added benefit in Japanese enbus is that you get to see many different styles of iai when in Finland you already know all participants and their iai."

7) Is there a difference between training in Japan and in Europe?
-"Yes there is. I think you Japanese iaidokas are lucky as you have Takada-Sensei with you in every practice sessions whereas we practice together and try to recall Sensei's teachings from his seminars. There simply is no substitute for the real source."

8) What do you think about Takada Gakudô Sensei's style related to iaidô and training?
-"I like Takada-Sensei's style a lot. Compared to many other teachers, his iai is very powerful and alive, it is very real. I also like his traditional teaching style; I only wish my Japanese would be better so I could get more out of it."

9) What kind of a teacher is Takada Gakudô Sensei?
-"Takada-Sensei leads by example, which I think is great. You are not offered any shortcuts but he simply shows you what you should do and then you have to understand yourself what exactly he is showing and "steal" it from him. Sure, there can be faster ways to learn, but in my opinion this is the only way that guarantees that you truly learn and understand your iai as you have to work hard for it."

10) What would you like to say to someone who is thinking about starting iaidô?
-"A good friend of mine always says that you have to have more pressing reasons for not to do something than to do it. I agree with this so I would urge everybody who thinks about starting to go ahead and give it a try. Iaidô might not be for everybody's taste, but everybody can try it out and make their minds based on their own experience."

Yokohama, Japan 2009/10/10

Training schedule for November 2009

Oppama Junior High School, Oppama, Yokosuka

on Saturdays
November 14, 21, 28
19:00~21:00
15 min walk from Oppama station, Keikyu line


Nakada Junior High School, Totsuka, Yokohama

usually on Sundays
November 1, 15, 23 (Mon), 29
13:00~15:00
5 min walk from Tateba station, Yokohama Subway

These training times are available for all grades.

If you would like to join, visit our training or you have any questions please contact Takada Rumi　by phone TEL & FAX 045-783-2298 (in Japanese).

If you prefer email mail to takada_dojo(at)hotmail.com (in English/Japanese) or leave a comment here, thank you for your cooperation.

Training schedule for October 2009

Oppama Junior High School, Oppama, Yokosuka

on Saturdays
October 3, 10, 17, 31
19:00~21:00
15 min walk from Oppama station, Keikyu line


Nakada Junior High School, Totsuka, Yokohama

usually on Sundays
October 4, 11, 18
13:00~15:00
5 min walk from Tateba station, Yokohama Subway

These training times are available for all grades.

If you would like to join, visit our training or you have any questions please contact Takada Rumi　by phone TEL & FAX 045-783-2298 (in Japanese).

If you prefer email mail to takada_dojo(at)hotmail.com (in English/Japanese) or leave a comment here, thank you for your cooperation.

Training schedule for September 2009

Kanazawa Chiku Center, Kanazawahakkei, Yokohama

September 20 - Thursday
19:00~21:00

Oppama Junior High School, Oppama, Yokosuka

on Saturdays
September 5, 12, 19
19:00~21:00
15 min walk from Oppama station, Keikyu line


Nakada Junior High School, Totsuka, Yokohama

usually on Sundays
September 6, 13, 23 (Wed)
13:00~15:00
5 min walk from Tateba station, Yokohama Subway

These training times are available for all grades.

If you would like to join, visit our training or you have any questions please contact Takada　Rumi　by phone TEL & FAX 045-783-2298 (in Japanese).

If you prefer email mail to takada_dojo(at)hotmail.com (in English/Japanese) or leave a comment here, thank you for your cooperation.

Musô Shinden Ryû Tachiuchi no Kurai

Tachiuchi no Kurai has 7 techniques.

1. Deai

2. Kobushitori

3. Zetsumyôken

4. Dokumyôken

5. Tsubatome

6. Ukenagashi

7. Mappô

Mogishinsa

Last Sunday we had mogishinsa, a simulation grading. It's very helpful to practice in front of others and get feedback before the actual grading; and besides is there a better way to learn than public humiliation, which is to hear about all your mistakes in front of everybody. After that you’ll remember always, or so one would assume.

Grading can sometimes - or should I say every time - be a bit tense experience. It's funny how your heart starts to race when your turn comes no matter how confident and relaxed you felt just a few moments earlier.

Mogishinsa offers a great opportunity to observe your reactions so that you won't hopefully panic when it is the real thing. It also gives some sort of consolation to see others just as nervous as you are.

Takada Sensei reminded us to be especially careful with so called beginner's mistakes, the things you take for granted, for example you might start to wonder does Shohatsutô begin with left or right foot or with which hand do you hold a sword when you're in seiza/walking/bowing and so on.

During practice grading everything was done like in a real situation except that same grade students performed together instead of individual performance. In Takada Sensei's Dôjô everyone even in kyû grading performs alone no matter how many students there are.

10 minutes before starting the simulation we got a list of 5 katas we would have to memorize and perform. My trick was to remember the katas by their ordinal number rather than name. For example instead of memorizing: Tôhô Korantô, Shohatsutô, Ataritô, Gyakutô, Nukiuchi; I memorized 1, 1, 4, 8, 11. For me numbers are just easier to remember. I'm sure we all have our own methods.

Takada Sensei didn't just check did we remember the katas but did we remember all the bows, how did we handle the sword and so on. Takada Sensei also told a few examples of previous gradings how some students had performed very well during practice and until last minutes before the grading but in the actual situation they had made some easy mistakes such as started with wrong foot, pulled the sword from its sheath too early/late or forgot to bow to judges.

Mogishinsa really gives you a chance to check have you learnt everything by heart or do you hesitate when you're supposed to know all the maneuvers (bowing, sword handling) by yourself.

Tabi etiquette

Tabi (足袋) are traditional Japanese socks with a separation between the big toe and other toes.

In Takada Sensei's Dôjô almost all the students wear tabi during practice. Everyone can choose whether to wear them or not.

The only occasions when it's mandatory to wear tabi are when you're wearing montsuki (紋付). Those occasions are dan grading and iaidô demonstration.

In summer everyone wears white tabi but in winter some wear thicker and darker colored tabi. I guess the thicker ones are just warmer, I myself wear another socks under tabi in winter.

This is the tabi etiquette in Takada Sensei's Dôjô; other dôjô's, federation's, etc. style may vary.

Gloves during training

If you're afraid of losing your grip from the sweaty tsuka it's acceptable to use customized gloves during summer practice. Just cut open the finger parts and palms of some old cotton gloves or such.

There is also an esthetic reason for wearing gloves (no, the gloves don't look nice). It's considered well not definitely as a bad manner but not very acceptable either to constantly wipe your hands on your practice wear.

If you're not into wearing gloves during practice just bring your towel with you; although it is also kind of mendokusai to stop training every 10 minutes just to wipe the sweat.

So what to do?
Shut up and practice o(^-^)o
Like Takada Sensei always says no matter the circumstances let's practice like there's no tomorrow!

Don't forget juntô!

Only 6 more practices before the big day. We have iaidô grading on August 23. Actually it's more of a dan grading than average grading; also many first timers are trying to get shodan.

There is a big difference between kyû and dan grading. In Japan kyû students don't have a written exam, they only perform their 5 favorite katas and hope for the best; but when it comes to dan grading the students have a written exam too. Takada Sensei gives the exam questions and deadline about two months before the grading so that you'll have a month before returning your report. If you miss the deadline, try again next year no excuses accepted. It's hard to imagine how anyone could miss the deadline. This year's questions for shodan, nidan and sandan were:

1) Tell about the founder of iaidô
2) Write the names of the techniques you have practiced
3) Name the parts of a sword
4) What is mekuteki (目的) of iaidô?
5) The Rules of Nippon Iaidô Kyôkai

The actual grading part is also different. You can't choose your favorite katas and hope for the best; on the contrary Takada Sensei reveals the katas you have to do 10 minutes before the grading. 10 minutes to practice and memorize and after that there's also the waiting part to sit in seiza and wait for your turn. I can already feel the pressure and anxiety.

Until now one Shodan kata called juntô has been on a black list. I still remember how my first Sensei emphasized never ever to do juntô in a demonstration, grading or anywhere else for that matter, except during practice. For those who are not familiar with juntô its purpose is to assist a person who is committing seppuku. Well last Sunday something strange happened. Takada Sensei informed that juntô is not anymore off the limits when it comes to grading! Yes, that's right. Everyone was astounded! Obviously no one had practiced juntô as much as the other katas because we all thought that it will be automatically excluded from the grading.

I have a feeling that juntô is going to be one of the requested katas. Let's see how it turns out. Until then practice, practice!

Training schedule for August 2009

Kanazawa Chiku Center, Kanazawahakkei, Yokohama

August 20 - Thursday
19:00~21:00

Oppama Junior High School, Oppama, Yokosuka

on Saturdays
August 1, 8, 15
19:00~21:00
15 min walk from Oppama station, Keikyu line


Nakada Junior High School, Totsuka, Yokohama

usually on Sundays
August 2, 9, 16, 30
13:00~15:00
5 min walk from Tateba station, Yokohama Subway

These training times are available for all grades.

If you would like to join, visit our training or you have any questions please contact Takada　Rumi　by phone TEL & FAX 045-783-2298 (in Japanese).

If you prefer email mail to takada_dojo(at)hotmail.com (in English/Japanese) or leave a comment here, thank you for your cooperation.

Training schedule for July 2009

Kanazawa Chiku Center, Kanazawahakkei, Yokohama

July 23 - Thursday

19:00~21:00

Oppama Junior High School, Oppama, Yokosuka

on Saturdays
July 4, 11, 18, 25
19:00~21:00
15 min walk from Oppama station, Keikyu line


Nakada Junior High School, Totsuka, Yokohama

usually on Sundays
July 5, 12, 20 (Mon), 26
13:00~15:00
5 min walk from Tateba station, Yokohama Subway

These training times are available for all grades.

If you would like to join, visit our training or you have any questions please contact Takada　Rumi　by phone TEL & FAX 045-783-2298 (in Japanese).

If you prefer email mail to takada_dojo(at)hotmail.com (in English/Japanese) or leave a comment here, thank you for your cooperation.

Akihiro - the youngest student in Takada Dôjô

1) What is your name?
-"Akihiro."

2) How old are you?
-"11 years old."

3) What is your nationality?
-"Japanese."

4) When did you start iaidô?
-"In 2005."

5) What made you start?
-"My grandfather suggested it to me."

6) Have you participated in iai demonstration? What was it like?
-"Yes, I have. I've been happy with my performances, because even if I felt nervous I could do the things I'd been practicing."

7) What do you think about Takada Gakudô Sensei's style related to iaidô and training?
-"It's great! Besides kata I can also learn about manners, traditions and so on from Takada Gakudô Sensei."

8) What kind of a teacher is Takada Gakudô Sensei?
-"He is very interesting because he doesn't teach just iaidô, but also many other things, like for example about life and finding the right spirit. He always emphasizes the importance of combining budô and education/studying (lifelong learning)."

9) What would you like to say to someone who is thinking about starting iaidô?
-"You should really try it! Iaidô helps you to improve your inner strength, concentration, shisei and composure. I recommend iaidô to other elementary school students too."

Yokohama, Japan 2009/7/5

Marcus from Uppsala, Sweden

1) What is your name?
-"Marcus."

2) How old are you?
-"23 years old."

3) What is your nationality?
-"Swedish."

4) How many times have you been to Japan?
-"This is my second time. My first trip was in 2006."

5) Why did you come to Japan?
-"The main reason was obviously to practice iaidô at Takada Gakudô Sensei's dôjô, but I came here also to do some sightseeing and meet friends. But if I hadn't begun practicing iaidô I don't think I would have been so interested in coming here."

6) When did you start iaidô?
-"In February 2005."

7) What made you start?
-"Actually I thought I would begin practicing kendo. I went to an open house event held in a martial arts practice center (in Uppsala, Sweden) where many different martial art clubs demonstrated their techniques and shared information. That was the first time I saw or heard about iaidô; so instead of kendô I decided to try it and thought it was great therefore I stayed."

8) Have you participated in iai demonstration? What was it like?
"In 2006 I attended the 5th anniversary celebration of Nippon Iaidô Kyôkai which was held here in Japan. It was of course very interesting to see Takada Gakudô Sensei but also because of the other members of different dôjôs and iai schools besides our Musô Shinden Ryû. We don't have the chance to see those in Sweden."

9) Is there a difference between training in Japan and in Sweden?
- "Yes, but mostly the differences are quite small, actually, as well as some of the "manner" aspects are done differently. For example, in the beginning of each iaidô practice we do battô-kiritsuki and then shoden just like here, but after that those who haven't yet practiced tôhô have free training while others do tôhô, it is the same with chuden and okuden. Also we don't do jôdô after iaidô practice; we have a separate training time for it, although sometimes we do kumigata at the end of iaidô practice. But other than that it is mostly the same."

10) What do you think about Takada Gakudô Sensei's style related to iaidô and training?
-"I think Takada Gakudô Sensei's teaching style is great, even for us who hardly know any Japanese he manages to get the message thru. I can't say much about the mini "lectures" during practice since my Japanese is far too bad to understand more than the most basic things, but during the actual practice I think he's teaching style is very pedagogic."

11) What kind of a teacher is Takada Gakudô Sensei?
-"I would quite simply say a good one. Especially his ability to teach at so many different levels so that, for example, after a iaidô seminar, both beginners and advanced students feel that they have been taught something."

12) What would you like to say to someone who is thinking about starting iaidô?
-"Try it! And also, try to keep with it at least through the beginner's term so that you have a little bit more perspective whether to continue or not. I think it is true for most budô (at least for the ones I have tried) that it might take a while before the "real" learning can begin."

Yokohama, Japan 2009/7/4

Looking for meaning?

i
"Determination to adjust into different situations, body positions or life experiences. Unity of mind and body flowing from one situation to another with confidence and understanding undistracted by thoughts of failure or victory."
ai
"Quick and efficient adaptation to all life circumstances."
dô
"Way or path to achieve spiritual development and self-realaziation through practice."

Iaidô is a Japanese martial art based on the battôjutsu established in the 16th century by a samurai called Hayashizaki Jinsuke Minamoto no Shigenobu.

Since his time the everyday life of a samurai has transformed into the art of drawing the sword known as iaidô. Nakayama Hakudô (1873–1958) is credited with first use of this term.

Iaidô is not about practicing for the purpose of practice itself or remembering the form or getting higher grades or possessing a sword - although in the beginning of one's iai path it might feel kind of great - and knowing how to use it.

Iaidô is about finding the way to develop oneself spiritually and mentally - why not physically as well - for the sake of perfection of character by committing to martial practice. Like someone wise said iaidô is "fitting into all life's situations". Discipline, commitment, practice, finding one's place, seeking harmony, living in peace and respecting life is essential concepts in iaidô.

So how does it work? How can we achieve all that? How do we become better human beings?

Without commitment, discipline and practice one will get nowhere. Each iaidôka should decide one's priorities. How much time one is willing to use on iaidô. Learning iaidô will take a lifetime, who can make that kind of a commitment? Can I? One should also keep in mind that no matter how busy life seems to be or how nice it would be to skip training just this once, that even a few minutes of practice is better than no practice at all. Thinking about training and actually training are completely different things.

The actual practice of iaidô is all about the form - repeating endlessly the forms called kata. Each kata consists the same four parts: nukitsuke_first cut when drawing the sword, kirioroshi/kiritsuke_cutting through the enemy from the front, chiburi_shaking the blood off the sword and nôtô_returning the sword into its sheath.

That is the physical side, half of the truth. Just as important is the spirit and mind of a iaidôka. Kata without mind and spirit is empty, it is meaningless practice. One should always think the meaning of each kata, each practice.

There is truly something mystical about iaidô at least for me. How can this repetition of kata give me such serenity? Why these strict rules of tradition make me feel free? I just have to step inside the dôjô and my mind becomes clear; I am able to let go of my worries or whatever has been on my mind before training. There is just this moment of practice and I.

As a iaidôka I am still too new (and will be for many years) to talk about becoming a better person, cutting my enemy or living in harmony with the universe, but this is where I am now. To me it is a good and meaningful beginning on my way to becoming a better me through iaidô. The hardest lesson to learn is to cut the enemy within myself - I am my own worst enemy.

"The writer has been hooked on iaidô since 2006.
The writer practices Musô Shinden Ryû in Takada Gakudô Sensei's Dôjô, in Yokohama, Japan."

Musô Shinden Ryû Lineage

Musô Shinden Ryû lineage according to Takada Gakudô Sensei (1997/5/31)

Founder, Shodai
Hayashizaki Jinsuke Minamoto no Shigenobu

2nd Headmaster, Nidai
Tamiya Heibee Narimasa

3rd Headmaster, Sandai
Nagano Muraku Nyûdô Kinrosai

4th Headmaster, Yondai
Momo Gunbee no Jô Mitsushige

5th Headmaster, Godai
Arikawa Seizaemon Munetsugu

6th Headmaster, Rokudai
Banno Danemon Nobusada

7th Headmaster, Nanadai
Hasegawa Chikara no Suke Eishin

8th Headmaster, Hachidai
Arai Seitetsu Kiyonobu

9th Headmaster, Kyûdai
Hayashi Rokudayu Morimasa

10th Headmaster, Jûdai
Hayashi Yasudayu Seishô

11th Headmaster, Jûichidai
Ôguro Motoemon Kiyokatsu

12th Headmaster, Jûnidai
Matsuyoshi Sadasuke Hisanari

13th Headmaster, Jûsandai
Yamakawa Kyûzô Yukimasa

14th Headmaster, Jûyondai
Shimomura Moichi Sadamasa

15th Headmaster, Jûgodai
Tsubouchi Seisuke Nagazumi

16th Headmaster, Jûrokudai
Shimamura Uma no Jo

17th Headmaster, Jûnanadai
Hosokawa Yoshimasa

18th Headmaster, Jûhachidai
Nakayama Hakudô

19th Headmaster, Jûkyûdai
Matsuo Kenpu

20th Headmaster, Nijûdai
Takada Gakudô

Tôhô Ryûmei Wazamei Shoso

Tôhô has 5 katas, forms.

1.
Musô Shinden Ryû - Korantô - Hayashizaki Jinsuke Shigenobu

2.
Musô Jikiden Eishin Ryû - Yukichigai - Hayashizaki Jinsuke Shigenobu

3.
Shinshin Sekiguchi Ryû - Tôrôken - Sekiguchi Yagoemon Ujinari

4.
Mugai Ryû - Musôgaeshi - Tsuji Gettan Sukeshige

5.
Hôki Ryû - Mukôzume - Katayama Hôki no Kami Hisayasu

The first one is the name of the iai school, second is the name of the kata and the last one is the founder.

Musô Shinden Ryû Okuden Okuiai (Tachiwaza)

Okuden Okuiai (Tachiwaza) has 10 katas, forms.

1. Yukitsure

2. Tsuredachi

3. Sômakuri

4. Sôdome

5. Shinobu

6. Yukichigai

7. Sodesurigaeshi

8. Moniri

9. Kabezoi

10. Ukenagashi

Musô Shinden Ryû Okuden Okuiai (Tatehiza)

Okuden Okuiai (Tatehiza) has 9 katas, forms.

1. Kasumi

2. Sunegakoi

3. Shihôgiri

4. Kozume

5. Kowaki

6. Tanashita

7. Ryôzume

8. Torabashiri

9. Itomagoi

Musô Shinden Ryû Chûden Hasekawa Eishin Ryû (Tatehiza)

Chûden Hasekawa Eishin Ryû has 10 katas, forms.

1. Yokogumo

2. Toraissoku

3. Inazuma

4. Ukigumo

5. Yamaoroshi

6. Iwanami

7. Urokogaeshi

8. Namigaeshi

9. Takiotoshi

10. Nukiuchi

Musô Shinden Ryû Shoden Ômori Ryû

Shoden Ômori Ryû has 12 katas, forms.

1. Shohatsutô

2. Hidaritô

3. Migitô

4. Ataritô

5. Inyô Shintai

6. Ryûtô

7. Juntô

8. Gyakutô

9. Seichûtô

10. Korantô

11. Nukiuchi

12. Hizagakoi

Nakada Iaidô Demonstration, 2008/2, Takada Gakudô Sensei

Iaidô Demonstration in Nakada in February 2008. The performer is Takada Gakudô Sensei, Iaidô Hanshi 10th Dan.

Kamakura Iaidô Demonstration, 2008/1, Takada Gakudô Sensei

The demonstration was held in Tsurugaoka Hachimangû, Kamakura, Japan in January 2008.

The performer is Takada Gakudô Sensei, Iaidô Hanshi 10th Dan.

Kamakura Iaidô Demonstration, 2008/1 Takada Tokudô Sensei

The demonstration was held in Tsurugaoka Hachimangû, Kamakura, Japan in January 2008.

The performer is　Takada Gakudô Sensei's son Takada Tokudô Sensei, Musô Shinden Ryû Renshi 7th Dan.